Advisor Resource Center (A.R.C.)

Welcome to the Advisor Resource Center (A.R.C.). We are excited that you have taken an interest in advising a student organization at Georgia Southern University. The A.R.C. has been developed to provide an easy-to-access hub of information for current advisors and those considering becoming an advisor. Please use the buttons below to access different areas of the A.R.C. If you have any questions about these resources or advising a student organization in general, please feel free to email osa@georgiasouthern.edu.

ROLE OF THE ADVISOR

Georgia Southern University requires that all recognized organizations have an advisor. Advisors are full-time members of Georgia Southern University faculty or staff. It is their responsibility to guide the group in accordance with the purposes and ideals of Georgia Southern University and the organization. They should not directly control the group’s programs and activities. The relationship between the advisor and the group will vary depending on each organization and its members. Therefore, the responsibilities and duties of the advisor will vary according to the group’s needs. However, student organization advisors are responsible for attending events and meetings sponsored by their student organization as much as possible. Please note that by approving a space reservation, you are assuming responsibility for the event. The person filling the position defines the role of the advisor in partnership with the student organization. Hopefully, each advisor will become involved in the organization through meetings, planning, programming, and activities.

General Roles:

Considerations for Georgia Southern University

Guide the group in accordance with the purposes and educational objectives of the University.

Supervise the financial procedures followed by the organization in handling its funds.

Help increase awareness of both students and staff of the University facilities, events, and personnel.

Additional Roles:

Point out issues relating to ideas presented by the officer without imposing bias.

If an idea is inappropriate, the advisor should encourage the students to consider other alternatives.

Informal meetings are conducive to open and worthwhile discussion.

If the officer asks, “What would you do?” or “What do you think?” the question should be rephrased and handed back to him/her. The advisor is there to assist the officer, but not to solve the problem for the student.

The officer should be encouraged to take an occasional chance on some less proven members in delegating authority.

The advisor may wish to periodically evaluate the student in his/her effectiveness as an officer.

Responsibilities to the Group

Assist the group in filing its annual report, required in order to maintain active status.

Have knowledge of all plans and activities of the group.

Discourage domination of the group by any individual or small groups.

Provide long-term continuity within the group.

Assist in the orientation of new officers.

Be available to meet with members of the organization or new officers.

Be available to meet with members of the organization at their regular meetings.

Provide assistance in the planning and evaluation of programs.

Attend the group’s programs.

Assist the group in setting realistic goals and objectives for the academic year.